Scripps Networks Names Michael Smith GM of New Cooking Channel

Scripps Networks Interactive announced it has named Michael Smith as general manager of the new Cooking Channel.

Scripps Networks announced earlier this month its plans to rebrand FLN as the Cooking Channel, with the new network launching in third quarter of 2010. Smith, who has guided Food Network's creative and brand strategies for the last 10 years, most recently served as senior VP of marketing for the network during its rapid rise to top 10 stature. In his new role, Smith will oversee the development, staffing and production of the Cooking Channel, a multi-platform network that will cater to avid food lovers with informational and instructional cooking programming.

The work produced by Smith's marketing and creative teams during the last decade has won several industry awards, including the Brand Builder Award from Promax in 2003 and NAMIC's Luminary honors earlier this year. He also has been named one of the Top 50 Most Influential Minorities in Cable in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Smith is a regular speaker for groups such as the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM) and the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC).

Prior to Scripps Networks, Smith worked for Disney/ABC Cable Networks and for the CBS Television Network.

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